I want (but can't afford) a videographer :(

We did video and photography and got both back. The photos are beautiful but if I could only choose one, I'd do video. The emotion and words captured are unreal.

We had a videographer for 4 hours and we LOVE our video. I watch it all the time and I don't regret it at all. We paid $1350 for a 15 minute video. Keep looking!

FMIL wants us to have a videographer but I am not interested for budget concerns. As a compromise (since she's contributing to the wedding so we're tying to take into account her priorities), we plan to buy a few GoPro cameras and leave them around and tell people to go wild. I'm sure a lot of the footage will be kids just goofing off, but I'm sure some our more artistic friends will do some cool things with them. Is there an alternative like that that would help you capture some of your special day?

My FH and I were on the fence with videography, since we weren't sure how often we would use it. We ended up caving because we really wanted to be able to remember what each other said, as we're writing our own vows. When we were thinking about not getting a videographer, we were definitely considering vow journals so we'd always have a copy of what we said (we'll prob still do this).

So maybe think about how you can immortalize the special moments that you would've had the videographer capture?

I disagree that all vendors on thumbtack are sub-par. We found our photographer and videographer through there. We've only done the e-pics thus far but we're very happy with them. It's like anything else, do the research on people who contact you.

OP, maybe see about just asking for the ceremony? For us, that's really the only part we wanted and we got a pretty good discount because that's all we wanted. $350 for three cameras at the ceremony and edited footage. I'm in the Denver area.

You only get married once, go for it. I'm getting married in october ours cost 1800 for 10 hours

@Nicole, most of the ones who are qualified don't need to use Thumbtack. If you're good at what you do. you don't have to auction off your services in a price bid. All before even having a proper conversation with the client. Of course EVERYTHING requires research, but sadly, seemingly "great deals" are not so good after the end product is delivered. Good ones are expensive, and it's a lot of work. Many of my couples don't hire videographers....but I can tell a good one from a goof straight away. The less experienced ones seldom deliver a memorable product, and just get in the way. My 2 cents, worth what you paid. As @Spaghetti said, I'd rather save money not well spent.

We hired someone who has done commercials and other video for companies but only broke into wedding videography a year ago. So we have pre-ceremony, ceremony, and reception coverage for $1284. He gives us a highlight reel, ceremony video, and reception video. I watched his work a few times over to make sure I'd be satisfied with it for paying so much and I do enjoy it. I'm looking forward to having that the most. So even if you find someone who is within your budget, don't just go for it. Really make sure you'd be satisfied with their work.

Https://youtu.be/D1M3wBoew74

I'm having a video like this made of highlights by this person.

I agree having a college student maybe.

I think a lot of it is managing your own expectations. I'm not going to expect $2000 quality from paying $500, even if it is a special they have going on.

Just because qualified vendors don't need to use thumbtack doesn't mean only unqualified ones do use it. I didn't know that thumbtack made you pay to bid your services but honestly I don't see a problem with it since it's just a way to advertise. Don't need it because you're that good? Cool. Starting out and need to reach a bunch of people, could be reasonable if used with other advertising media. I'm not saying thumbtack is the be all end all but use it as any other source of finding vendors. At least they're upfront about pricing unlike a lot of photographers I looked at who had their own website and reviews on WW but didn't list their own prices.

I don't doubt photography/videography are a lot of work. I thought $350 for a 20 minute ceremony where the videographer could easily get another wedding the same day is a pretty good deal. And yes I looked at his prior stuff so I know what level of quality to expect.

I am not having a video. Personally, i dont really care for it. You will only watch it a handful of times - if that. Your friends are gonna come over and watch. Maybe just once. Your kids probably wont want to watch either lol im just saying, you are prob the only one thats ever gonna wanna watch a video of your special day. I am ok with just photos but im also the type of girl who is ok with a used dress lol dont feel bad but if you really are bummed, maybe cut down something to get it. You dont want to regret it

@Nicole, Fair enough, and yes, you make a logical point that it's about managing expectations....you'd be surprised how many don't.

To hopefully clear things up....not listing prices on our websites etc. isn't about being evasive or not up front. It's an interview process on both ends. If you met with me and didn't like my style and approach or had a different expectation, price would be irrelevant. Many couples severely underestimate how different we can all be from each other and have a lot of pre conceived notions that don't hold up for every service provider. I want the client who wants my signature approach, and I do my best to work with them.

I only list a starting price, so that someone with a $1000 budget doesn't have to feel disappointed...but really, to properly quote a wedding, I can't just throw a number out without knowing at least some basic info. Think of it like this....if I listed all 3 packages online, how many would just keep price matching while knowing nothing about how I work and what I can do for them. Or assume they can't afford me because they think they need full day. And they don't always. Lots of variables. To make an educated decision, it requires patience. Most of us are here to help you, not keep stuff from you.

Here's how Thumbtack works. Email notifications go out. Those who choose to bid, based on the gig and budget, pay for the necessary Thumbtack credits based on the budget. Often the inquiries are short and choppy and have inadequate information from the customer. Up to a certain amount of people can bid. We aren't allowed to ask questions that contain certain words....and the customer didn't seek one of those providers out. The only way vendors don't pay for the credits is if the customer never views the quote. What I offer doesn't really matter. Usually lowest price wins. That's why it's not feasible for most experienced providers. Just some trivial info.

We literally JUST booked a videographer. Our photographers husband has decided to get into it. He cut us a huge deal since he's just starting out and we're already a customer. Maybe you'll get lucky!

"Just because qualified vendors don't need to use thumbtack doesn't mean only unqualified ones do use it."

This literally makes zero sense.

With Thumbtack, you literally get the first five people who will bid on your job. They are not vetted at all. It's the quickest to the punch.

Oh, "just starting out".

Let's save "lucky" until you see it.

Use the thumbtack app!

You'd hope. BUT...what about the horror stories you hear right here? Lost photos, showing up late, being intrusive or creating a bad experience, having to hound them to get photos or video, etc. doesn't happen with qualified providers. I have the kid down the street cut my lawn in peak wedding season, I wouldn't have him do tree trimming or electrical work. Med students don't do surgery for a reason either. Although they probably are more qualified than a lot of these people "starting out" as wedding vendors.

I don't watch wedding videos for this exact reason. We can't afford it. I know we can't afford it. No use torturing.

@Kate, they make me as sick to read as it does you all.